Archive for the ‘foul tactics’ Category

Our Murali was tormented in the Boxing Day test match at the MCG by Darrell Hair when he called Murali for “chucking” as shown in the photograph. Hair was hailed as the ultimate courageous umpire for his action which stunned the cricketing world. Hair rode high for some years until Murali was finally cleared by the ICC of having an action that was within the fifteen degree limits of bending his arm. The Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation of Victoria supported Murali through several episodes of this torment. Hemaka Amarasuriya the then President of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board arrived in Australia to lend support to us as we had Murali visit several well-known defamation lawyers in Melbourne and Brisbane.

George Dobell, courtesy of ESPNcricinfo, where the title is “Embarrassed by how West Indies played in the nineties – Lara”

Brian Lara has implored the top sides in world cricket “to ensure that the integrity of the game is upheld” and admitted there were times he was “truly embarrassed” by the behaviour of the West Indies side he represented.

Michael Holding kicks the stumps in anger Getty Images

Lara, delivering the MCC Spirt of Cricket Cowdrey lecture at Lord’s, not only called on batsmen to “walk” but suggested the leading sides had a responsibility to “show the way and lead the way” in which the game is played.And, despite the outstanding record of the West Indies sides of the 1980s and early 1990s, Lara felt they were occasions when the tactics they employed resulted in them “playing the game in a way it should never, ever be played.” Read the rest of this entry ?

Sports lovers, particularly cricket fans, must be highly concerned about the unruly crowd behaviour at recent ODIs. Last week, there was the wholly unbecoming experience of the Sri Lanka cricketers being booed at a home match and then having to remain in their dressing room until they were escorted away from the stadium by the Police. Then there was the unacceptable episode where play had to be suspended because of unruly crowd behaviour. Fortunately, it was possible to complete the game eventually.

Andrew Fidel Fernando. courtesy oF ESPNcricinfo, 24 June 2017, where the title is “Ford steps down as Sri Lanka coach”

Graham Ford has stepped down as Sri Lanka coach, ending his second tenure with the side after 15 months. SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala said the decision had been arrived at mutually, “after careful consideration and deliberation”. Ford’s relationship with SLC was understood to have been strained due to what he felt were unacceptable intrusions into team matters by the board. Ford had already left the island on leave, which would have ended early next week. One of his grievances was the expanding powers of Asanka Gurusinha, who in February was appointed “cricket manager” – a position with a broadly defined range of duties, some of which Ford is understood to have felt infringed upon his freedom as a coach. In the time since his appointment, Gurusinha was also made a selector.

Rex Clementine, from the Sunday Island, 24 June 2017, with the title “Shame on Sri Lanka Cricket” ... with the highlighting being the intervention of The Editor, Cricketique

On Saturday, exactly at 1:00pm, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed what we all feared. They had parted ways with one of the best coaches in the world – Graham Xavier Ford. Given the national cricket team’s poor run in recent times, that has seen Sri Lanka slip down to number eight in ODI and T-20 cricket and number seven in Test cricket, SLC has faced intense criticism and the easiest thing in any sporting environment under such circumstances is to get rid of the coach. However, for cricket’s present debacles, placing the blame on Ford’s doorstep is as good as changing pillows for headaches.Read the rest of this entry ?

Rex Clementine, in Sunday Island, 18 December 2016, where the title is “The Durban drubbing” … The highlighting emphasis is by The Editor, Cricketique.

With Sri Lanka’s cricketers touring South Africa, supporters reminisce the team’s stunning success in that country five years ago when Tillekeratne Dilshan’s side surprised many by recording their first ever Test win on South Africa soil. South Africa is perhaps the hardest place for Asian teams as conditions heavily favour the host country’s fast bowlers. All three sub-continent teams have poor records in South Africa and Sri Lanka has the worst. Prior to the 2011 series, Sri Lanka had played seven Tests in South Africa and had lost six games, three of them by an innings. Very few gave the tourists a chance. The first Test at Centurion was an absolute nightmare as the hosts completed an innings win inside three days.

Star batsman Kumar Sangakkara is all fired up after his sensational century set up Sri Lanka’s maiden Test win on South African soil in 2011.

Greg and Virginia Hughes stormed out of the inquest while submissions were still ongoing. Picture: Ross Schultz

Melick openly questioned the honesty of the four cricketers called to the stand to give evidence this week. Asking why Brad Haddin, Doug Bollinger, David Warner and Tom Cooper answered so many questions with explanations like “no recollection” or “I can’t recall.” Melick said his criticisms of the testimony provided by players did not apply to the statement provided by Sean Abbott due to the very acute trauma he has experienced.